Apple is preparing to make another bold change with its next iPhone lineup. According to reports, the upcoming iPhone 17 series may arrive in Europe without a physical SIM card slot, making it the first time Apple will expand its eSIM-only models outside the United States.
The company has reportedly told staff at Apple Authorized Resellers across the European Union to complete mandatory eSIM training by September 5. This timing is important because Apple’s much-awaited “Awe Dropping” event is scheduled for September 9, 2025, where the iPhone 17 family will be officially unveiled.
A source told MacRumors, “Apple is preparing to expand its eSIM-only strategy beyond the US. Training is already underway for all reseller employees in the EU.”
This training is taking place through Apple’s internal SEED app, which is used globally by Apple Stores and partners. It suggests that the iPhone 17 lineup in Europe will no longer have a SIM slot, and customers will have to depend fully on digital eSIM technology for mobile connectivity.
Apple had already made this change in the United States back in 2022, when it launched the iPhone 14 without a SIM card tray. American buyers adjusted to the switch over the past three years. Now, Apple is ready to take the next step by removing physical SIM cards globally.
This new model is expected to be the thinnest iPhone ever created, measuring just 5.5mm in thickness and weighing less than 150 grams. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo explained, “The iPhone 17 Air’s slim body design makes it impossible to include a physical SIM tray. Apple will likely launch it as the world’s first eSIM-only smartphone.”
The iPhone 17 Air may feature a 6.6-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 48MP rear camera, and a 24MP front camera. It is rumored to run on the A19 chip, supported by 12GB RAM, and powered by a 2900mAh battery.
Apple has been promoting eSIMs as a safer and more convenient option compared to physical SIM cards. eSIMs allow customers to store multiple profiles at once, making it easier to switch between work numbers, personal numbers, or even international roaming plans without visiting a mobile store.
“eSIMs can’t be removed from stolen iPhones, and that makes them more secure,” an Apple spokesperson explained during the launch of the iPhone 14. “You can manage up to eight eSIMs at once, which is far more flexible than carrying tiny SIM cards.”
Still, some customers remain attached to the simplicity of physical SIMs. In countries like China, where eSIM adoption is slow, Apple is expected to continue offering models with SIM trays for now.
Apple’s fall event, famously known as the company’s most important showcase of the year, will take place on September 9, 2025. The theme this year is “Awe Dropping.” A senior Apple insider told reporters, “The iPhone 17 Air will be the star of the show. It represents the future of Apple design, slimmer, lighter, and completely digital.”
Alongside the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple is also expected to reveal the Apple Watch Series 11, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, the AirPods Pro 3, and even a new HomePod with a screen, which has been rumored for years.
It is a clear sign that Apple is moving toward a world of digital connectivity where physical SIM cards may become a thing of the past. In the US, the change with the iPhone 14 was accepted after some initial hesitation. Now, Apple wants to test if customers worldwide are ready for the same.
Tech analyst Daniel Ives told CNBC, “If the iPhone 17 series successfully launches without SIM card slots in Europe, we can expect other global markets to follow. This is Apple setting the standard once again.”
For Apple, removing the SIM tray also brings design benefits. It helps make the device slimmer, lighter, and more water-resistant. But for users, it could mean a period of adjustment. Travelers who are used to buying physical SIM cards in airports may have to learn how to activate eSIMs instead.
